Losing a beloved dog, even briefly, can be overwhelming and frightening. But the pain is far greater when a pet is taken right in front of you.
That was the nightmare Bishop’s owner experienced when his loyal Pit Bull was stolen on a New York City subway.
Shocked and heartbroken, he searched desperately for his missing dog, unsure whether Bishop was safe or in danger. Just hours later, an unexpected turn of events began to unfold.
Two compassionate strangers came across Bishop, not yet realizing the troubling story behind how he ended up alone.
A Desperate Search And A Chance Encounter
New Yorkers Will Zurier and Margaret Molloy were out walking their own Pit Bull, Banks, when they spotted something that stopped them in their tracks.
Tied to a bench in the West Village was a drenched, shivering dog who looked completely lost. It was Bishop.
Without hesitation, the couple stepped in to help. Rather than wait for animal control, they brought him home to keep him warm and safe through the night.
On the way, they stopped by a local vet to check his health, then began reaching out to find his family. They called hospitals, spoke with police, and scoured missing dog reports, but no luck.
As a final attempt, Margaret posted about the dog on her social media. With only a small following, she didn’t expect much. But to her surprise, the post went viral within hours—and soon reached the right people.
At the same time, Bishop’s owner’s friend had shared a desperate message online explaining what happened.
“Someone picked up his Pitbull and ran off with it just as the doors were closing,” the post said.
It was then that Will and Margaret realized the dog they had rescued was the same one from the subway incident. Bishop had been stolen, carried across the city, and left tied to a bench in the rain.
They immediately arranged to reunite him with his owner, coordinating the meeting at the vet’s office.
A Joyful Reunion After A Long Ordeal
When Bishop saw his owner walk into the clinic, he froze for a moment, then raced forward, wagging his tail and crying with joy. He leapt into his owner’s arms, showering him with love.
“Bishop has been reunited with his human,” Margaret wrote in an emotional update.
After 36 hours of panic and uncertainty, the two were finally together again.
For Will and Margaret, who already share their home with a rescue Pittie, it was their first real-life rescue mission—and an unforgettable one.
Seeing Bishop safe and loved again made every effort worthwhile.
What began as a frightening ordeal ended with gratitude, relief, and a powerful reminder that compassion from strangers can turn heartbreak into hope.
